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If you’re a fan of Vail Resorts, you may be wondering what acquisition the company will make next. Vail Resorts is a major player in the ski industry, with a portfolio of 34 resorts across North America, Australia, and Japan.
The company has been expanding rapidly in recent years, buying iconic destinations like Whistler Blackcomb, Stowe Mountain Resort, and Park City Mountain Resort. However, Vail Resorts hasn’t made any big announcements about its next Target yet. So, let’s speculate on some possibilities.
Background
Vail Resorts was founded in 1997 when Vail Associates merged with Ralston Resorts, creating a publicly traded company that aimed to consolidate ski areas under one brand and improve the guest experience through technology and innovation. Over the years, Vail Resorts has grown both organically and through acquisitions. The company’s flagship resort is Vail Mountain in Colorado, which is one of the largest ski areas in the world with more than 5,200 skiable acres and 31 lifts.
Candidates
So far, Vail Resorts has not revealed any specific plans for its next acquisition. However, there are some clues that suggest where the company might look for opportunities.
East Coast
Vail Resorts already owns several resorts in the Northeastern United States: Stowe in Vermont; Okemo Mountain Resort in Vermont; Mount Sunapee Resort in New Hampshire; Hunter Mountain in New York; Attitash Mountain Resort, Wildcat Mountain Ski Area and Crotched Mountain Ski & Ride Area in New Hampshire; and Liberty Mountain Resort, Roundtop Mountain Resort and Whitetail Resort in Pennsylvania. However, there are still some notable resorts that are not part of Vail’s network yet. For example:
- Sugarloaf – Located in Maine, Sugarloaf is the largest ski resort east of the Mississippi River, with more than 1,200 skiable acres and 160 trails. Sugarloaf is known for its challenging terrain and long season, which lasts from November to May.
Sugarloaf is currently owned by Boyne Resorts, a family-owned company that operates 13 resorts in North America.
- Killington – Located in Vermont, Killington is one of the most popular ski resorts in New England, with more than 1,500 skiable acres and 155 trails. Killington also has a reputation for hosting World Cup races and other events. Killington is currently owned by Powdr Corporation, a privately held company that operates eight resorts in North America.
West Coast
Vail Resorts already owns several resorts in the Western United States: Vail Mountain, Beaver Creek Resort, Breckenridge Ski Resort, Keystone Resort and Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Colorado; Park City Mountain Resort and Canyons Village at Park City in Utah; Heavenly Mountain Resort, Northstar California Resort and Kirkwood Mountain Resort in California; and Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia. For example:
- Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows – Located in California near Lake Tahoe, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is one of the largest ski resorts on the West Coast, with more than 6,000 skiable acres and 42 lifts. Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows hosted the Winter Olympics in 1960 and has a rich history of skiing culture. Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is currently owned by KSL Capital Partners and Henry Crown and Company.
- Mammoth Mountain – Located in California, Mammoth Mountain is one of the highest ski resorts in North America, with a summit elevation of 11,053 feet.
Mammoth Mountain has more than 3,500 skiable acres and 28 lifts. Mammoth Mountain is also known for its snowboarding parks and cross-country trails. Mammoth Mountain is currently owned by Alterra Mountain Company, which operates 15 resorts in North America.
Conclusion
Of course, these are just some examples of potential acquisitions that Vail Resorts may consider. There are many other resorts that could fit Vail’s strategy of offering high-quality experiences to guests who value convenience, variety and innovation.
Vail Resorts has not disclosed how much money it plans to spend on acquisitions or when it expects to make its next move. However, the company has shown that it is willing to invest in growth opportunities that align with its vision and values. As a skier or snowboarder, you can expect more exciting developments from Vail Resorts in the future.